Abstract

Christianity has played an enormously important role in the origins and development of modern constitutionalism. Indeed, Christian principles are enshrined in the most significant documents in Western legal history, including the English Bill of Rights (1689) and the American Declaration of Independence (1776). First, this paper analyses the profound impact of Christian philosophy on the development of modern constitutionalism. Secondly, this paper discusses the ongoing marginalisation of Christianity in Western societies, explaining how the secular intolerance of our day could constitute a threat to our fundamental rights and freedoms.